Very nearly said Lightning. Is that a soviet development of the lightning or their own original design?
It was a development of the Mig 15 used in Korea. They started designing it just as the 15 was coming into service, quite a few mods. added so changed designation entirely, from 15 to 17. Entered service 1952/53.
However, it was designed very much with thanks to the UK, the government of the time gave the Soviets design and permissions to build the most advanced jet engine of its time, the Rolls Royce Nene. And for free. Plus their ‘rescued’ German designers were responsible for the aero., i.e. swept wing designs etc.
They also lifted the design of the weapons gunsight from a downed/captured US F-86 gifted to them by North Korea.
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Going up!
The rate of climb on this thing was amazing, especially so for a plane over 70 years old!
No wonder it scared the pants of the Americans.
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